Vermont § 4125 - Findings and purpose The General Assembly makes the following findings of fact: (1) Today’s international trade agreements have impacts that extend significantly beyond the bounds of traditional trade matters such as tariffs and quotas

§ 4125. Findings and purpose The General Assembly makes the following findings of fact: (1) Today’s international trade agreements have impacts that extend significantly beyond the bounds of traditional trade matters such as tariffs and quotas

• . Restrictive government
  procurement rules, for example, may undermine State purchasing laws and preferences
  that are designed to promote good jobs and a healthy environment. (2) As the subject matters contained within trade agreements expand, these agreements
  may impact on areas traditionally governed by the states, including economic development,
  financial investment, environmental policies, pharmaceutical policy, recreational
  services, utilities and energy distribution, and agricultural subsidies. The subject
  matter addressed by trade agreements is constantly evolving into new areas and becomes
  more likely over time to infringe on State law or policy. (3) Specific examples in one area important to Vermont—State economic development and
  environmental policies—that might be constrained by government procurement provisions
  in international trade agreements include buy-local laws, electronic waste recycling
  laws, and renewable energy purchasing requirements. Measures that conflict with obligations
  in one or more international trade agreements could be challenged as potential barriers
  to trade. (4) Input from states has been essential to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s
  understanding of state practices that may be impacted by policies in trade agreements.
  For example, after states protested that language in the Australia-United States trade
  agreement was ambiguous and created uncertainty as to whether it applied to Medicaid
  preferred drug lists, the United States specifically clarified in the Korea-United
  States trade agreement that similar pharmaceutical policies did not apply to Medicaid. (5) Currently, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative asks state governors, without
  input from state legislatures, whether they will commit state purchasing to trade
  rules. States, through their governors, may opt into or out of trade rules dealing
  with government procurement. (6) Historically, the General Assembly and the Governor have worked together to adopt
  and implement State procurement policies. The decision to consent to the coverage
  of Vermont under procurement provisions of international trade agreements should also
  include consultation with and agreement by the Legislative Branch. (7) If future trade rules permit states to opt into or out of trade rules dealing with
  investment and services, in addition to procurement, then the General Assembly intends
  for the procedures in this chapter to apply to those provisions as well. (8) It is important for the State to provide information and recommendations to Congress
  and the U.S. Trade Representative about the possible impacts of proposed trade agreements
  on State law and policy. (Added 2009, No. 78 (Adj. Sess.), § 43; eff. April 15, 2010.)